International Journal of Value Chain Management (14 papers in press)

Regular Issues

• CONTRACT FARMING AS A MARKETING STRATEGY TO IMPROVE THE POULTRY AGRIBUSINESS IN GHANA  
  by Richard Bannor 
  Abstract: The local poultry subsector of Ghana is burdened with production and marketing challenges rendering it non-competitive against imported chicken products. One of the suggested strategies to solve this challenge is contract farming. However, empirical studies on contract farming have been widely researched in the crop subsector, with limited studies in the poultry subsector. This study, therefore, examined the choice of contract farming as a marketing outlet among poultry agripreneurs. The Propensity Score Matching technique was used to analyse the impact of contract farming on the total value of sales. The results indicate that several demographic, marketing, production and institutional characteristics influenced contract farming choice. Beyond this, contract farming was revealed to have a significant impact on the total value of sales of broiler products. The study recommends collaboration between the Ministry of Food and Agriculture and local radio stations in the study area to provide farmers with market information on the prices and demand for layers, broilers and eggs in neighbouring markets to ascertain their decision to choose contract farming or otherwise.
  Keywords: Poultry; chicken; contract; marketing outlet; principal-agent problem.
  
  
• Position of Vietnam in Global Value Chains: An Empirical Approach  
  by Viet Khoi Nguyen, Shashi Kant Chaudhary 
  Abstract: The participation of Vietnam in global value chains has increased significantly in recent decades. This paper aims to analyze the ways in which Vietnam has connected to the international production network and how such connectivity has affected the position of its industries in global value chains (GVCs). The methodology used in this paper has three components: the measure of the GVC participation index, the measure of the GVC position index, and the estimation of the positions of industries on a smile curve. In addition, we use the distance to final demand approach by Fally (2012) to define the GVC position index. Our analysis indicates that Vietnam specializes in middle-stream activities, including the assembly of computers and electronics, textiles and footwear, food and beverages, electrical machinery, and other processed products. We also discuss how Vietnam is participating in global value chains and how it can perform better in the future.
  Keywords: Backward linkage; Forward linkage; Global value chains; GVC participation.
  
  
• Exploring the direct and indirect effect of trust in leadership and perceived organizational support on turnover intentions  
  by Rui Silva, Álvaro Dias, Leandro Ferreira Pereira, Renato Lopes Da Costa, Rui Gonçalves 
  Abstract: Currently, employee retention is a critical aspect of people management, especially in the context of pandemics or post-pandemics, where job insecurity and job destruction challenge workers’ trust in leadership and organisational support. Using survey data treated with structural equation models, this study explores, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the direct and indirect effects on turnover intentions of trust in leadership and perceived organisational support, using the mediating effect of job satisfaction. The results reveal that job satisfaction and perceived organisational support have a negative impact on turnover intention, but less that what was expected. The results obtained in the context of COVID-19 delivers important insights related to changes of employees’ perceptions, their relations with the organisation and its impact in the turnover intention.
  Keywords: job satisfaction; COVID-19; trust in leadership; perceived organisational support.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJVCM.2022.10043238
   
  
• Reshaping Street and Home-Based Cottage Food Business Strategies through Social Business after Covid-19 Pandemic  
  by Bordin Rassameethes, Sasivimol Meeampol 
  Abstract: This impact-driven research investigated how food design, technology, and business strategy can solve social problems as part of a social business initiative. A total of twenty street food vendors and home-based food entrepreneurs were selected, and group-focused discussions were conducted based on the study's purpose. They were assessed and advised through the Mystic Kitchen model and social business concept to make their operations more productive and increase sales to cope with lifestyle changes due to the pandemic. The study found that the primary elements in successful business strategies through social business are communication, trust, resource allocation, and matching technology tools.
  Keywords: Value chain; Street food; Cooking business; Social business; Covid-19; Small business strategies.
  
  
• A Framework for design Lean Supply Chain: A Case Study in a Peruvian Concrete Company  
  by Ivan Arauco, Edgar Ramos, Ron Mesia, Phillip Coles 
  Abstract: This paper seeks to demonstrate the positive effects of a lean supply chain at a concrete company. Management of this lean SC illustrates a new lean SC approach in the Peruvian construction industry. This case study provides a lean SC framework. The proposed methodology is introduced step-by-step according to lean management concepts; each step uses lean tools: visual management, 5S methodology, and standardised work. The findings demonstrate the viability of the methodology. We summarise the results and conclusions obtained in the research. These specific tools improved metrics in each SC process studied: source, make, and deliver. Delivery times were improved by 20%, and SC costs were reduced by 8%. This case study shows the benefits of costs and time. It demonstrates that the lean SC framework and tools applied to an integrated SC achieved exceptional operational results.
  Keywords: lean supply chain; supply chain; order fulfillment; ready-mixed concrete.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJVCM.2022.10044302
   
  
• Industry 4.0: Smart Preventive Maintenance with Optimal Planning and Scheduling Process of SMEs  
  by Velmurugan K, Saravanasankar S, Venkumar P, K.P. Paranitharan, Sudhakarapandian R 
  Abstract: In the modern world, small and medium scale manufacturing industries face a lot of challenges to achieve the reliability, availability, and safety as important performance attributes of the shop floor. In which planning and scheduling of preventive maintenance activities are considered to be a major issue in SMEs. This study is to propose the optimal framework of the preventive maintenance (PM) planning and scheduling process in SMEs. The optimal maintenance parameters (failure rate and repair rate), availability variations of the systems have been predicted through the utilisation of the Markov birth-death approach. To overcome the drawbacks associated with the existing optimal PM plan, a new approach is proposed in this study to develop an optimal preventive maintenance plan for Electronic Actuating Switch manufacturers through the digital ecosystem. This proposed method integrates manufacturing subsystem failure into smart digital ecosystems and also to estimate the actual remaining useful life of the machines.
  Keywords: small and medium sized enterprises; preventive maintenance; Markov birth-death process; remaining useful life; optimal planning and scheduling.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJVCM.2023.10045444
   
  
• Bibliometric - Thematic Analysis and A Technology-Enabler-Barrier-Based Framework for Digital Supply Chain  
  by Vikrant Sharma, Satyajit Anand, Mukesh Kumar, Manjula Pattnaik 
  Abstract: Digital supply chain is a proactive, value-driven, and efficient process that helps businesses generates new sources of revenue and business value. From 2000 to 2021, this article covers the evolution of digital supply chain research, outlining critical concerns and trends for the future. This analysis aims to undertake a bibliometric analysis of the literature on digital supply chains to identify emerging trends in this subject through a review of the most influential articles, keywords, authors, institutions and countries. Three software tools were used to accomplish this goal: The R package (Bibliometrix R Package), VOSviewer and SciMAT. According to the research, Germany, Turkey, and the USA have the most publications and total citations. Additionally, a framework based on technology, enablers, and barriers is proposed, and a discussion of the future path of the digital supply chain. This study is the first to analyse digital supply chains’ evaluation and give a decision-making framework.
  Keywords: digital supply chain; bibliometric analysis; thematic analysis; framework.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJVCM.2023.10045861
   
  
• Predictors of burnout among supply chain management professionals  
  by Ryan Atkins, Abdurrezzak Sener, Matt Drake, Kathryn Marley 
  Abstract: The competitive market for supply chain management (SCM) talent has increased the importance of retaining SCM employees. Despite generally positive opinions of SCM careers, high levels of turnover among SCM professionals exist, and burnout has often been cited as a cause for turnover. Based on a survey of 104 US-based SCM professionals, and using person-environment fit as a theoretical background, this study found that burnout is increased when workers perceive a deficit in the amount of remote work permitted and when working overtime and non-traditional hours (OT/NT), whereas burnout is reduced by pay satisfaction and a perception of transformational leadership. There is also an interaction between pay satisfaction and OT/NT, with OT/NT taking precedence over pay satisfaction in driving feelings of burnout. Very few studies have addressed talent management among SCM professionals, and this study has identified insights that are relevant to managers and to future research on this subject.
  Keywords: supply chain; burnout; overtime; remote work; person-environment fit; P-E; pay; leadership.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJVCM.2023.10046585
   
  
• A Smart DDMRP Model using Machine Learning techniques  
  by Jose Aguilar, Ricardo Dos Santos, Rodrigo Garcia, Carlos Gomez, Marxjhony Jerez, Marvin Jimenez, Eduard Puerto 
  Abstract: This paper proposes a hybrid algorithm based on the demand-driven manufacturing resources planning (DDMRP) model and machine learning techniques to determine when and how much to purchase a product. The DDMRP model optimises the inventory using predictive models to determine the product demands, and the behaviour of the providers. Then, our DDMRP model determines when and how much to purchase. Thus, our approach defines a smart inventory management to establish what should be purchased and when. The preliminary results are very encouraging because the inventory follows the optimal levels by product based on demand, avoiding a lack of inventory.
  Keywords: inventory management; demand-driven model; machine learning; supply chain; DDMRP.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJVCM.2023.10046589
   
  
• ANALYSING THE VALUE CHAIN OF SKIPJACK TUNA (Katsuwonus pelamis) IN PARTIDO DISTRICT, CAMARINES SUR, PHILIPPINES  
  by Ariel Delfino  
  Abstract: Skipjack tuna is a widely acceptable raw material in the canning industry. There are various written studies on tuna supply and value chain management, but literature focusing primarily on the skipjack tuna industry is limited, particularly in the Philippines. This paper attempts to fill that gap by analysing the value chain of skipjack tuna in Partido District, Camarines Sur. Eleven existing chains in the skipjack tuna industry and the dynamic relationship among players were studied, all of whom earn a reasonable profit in both the peak and lean seasons. This study also identified challenges to the tuna industry in Partido District such as the strict implementation of Republic Acts 10654 and 8550, the seasonality of skipjack tuna in the Lagonoy Gulf, weather-related profit losses, limited financial access or capital for business operation, lack of processing equipment or advanced technology, debtors or partial remittances, and the existing health crisis.
  Keywords: cost and return analysis; Lagonoy Gulf; skipjack tuna; tuna industry; value chain analysis.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJVCM.2023.10046598
   
  
• A Fuzzy logic assessment Framework for collaborative development of Product-Service Systems  
  by Mourad Harrat, Farouk BELKADI, Guy CAVEROT, Alain BERNARD 
  Abstract: The development and value chain management of product-service systems (PSS) requires companies to look for new capabilities, regarding the disparate components of a PSS. However, interfirm collaboration in this context presents several particularities which may be challenging for the stakeholders and can lead to project failure. In this regard, there is still limited literature addressing frameworks and tools to manage the collaborative aspects of PSS from an organisational point of view. This paper presents a methodology to develop a framework to support companies in choosing suitable partners in a PSS development project and to improve collaboration. Thus, an assessment model is built using key performance indicators (KPIs) based on important collaboration performance factors, with the help of a fuzzy logic tool. This model is then tested and validated in two different PSS case studies.
  Keywords: decision aid; interfirm collaboration; product-service system; PSS; fuzzy logic.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJVCM.2023.10047139
   
  
• Value Chain and Core Competency Based Approach to Outsourcing Decision: A Case of the Indian Coal Mining Organization  
  by Mousumi Modak, Kunal K. Ghosh, Khanindra Pathak 
  Abstract: The study focuses on developing an outsourcing decision framework to assist the coal mining organisation to decide on outsourcing of operational activities. The proposed outsourcing decision framework integrates concepts of value chain analysis and core competency perspective that provides strategic dimensions towards decision-making over the conventional motive of short-term cost reduction. The analysis proposes a logical step-wise approach to classify the primary operational activities into core, partial-core, and non-core based on their contribution towards the organisational competencies.
  Keywords: outsourcing decision; value chain analysis; core competency perspective; coal mining.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJVCM.2023.10048306
   
  
• Impact of system integration of automation and autonomation supply chain strategies in operational performance of manufacturing firms  
  by Joseph Akam Mpuon, Benedict Ejikeme Odigbo, Sunday Etim Glory, Udo Etuk Idoreyin, Absosede Abimbola Usoro 
  Abstract: This study explored the correlation between system integration of automation and autonomation supply chain strategies and manufacturing firms’ operational performance with a human touch, due to a dearth of studies in this area. Based on this limitation, the researchers sought to investigate this lacuna thereby bridging a knowledge gap. The study’s priorities were to find out how system integration, agility and leanness of automation and supply chain strategy affect and enhance manufacturing firms’ operational performance. In course of the study, data were obtained from 415 employees of manufacturing firms in Nigeria with the help of a structured questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistical approaches, as well as OLS estimation techniques, were used to evaluate the data. As a consequence of the studies, it was discovered that system integration of automation and autonomation supply chain strategies has a significant relationship with operational performance of manufacturing firms.
  Keywords: autonomation; automation; agility; lean supply chain; system integration; operational performance; supply chain management; SCM.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJVCM.2023.10051437
   
  
• Investigation Model of Sensing, Seizing and Reconfiguring Capabilities  
  by Vânia Patrício, Renato Lopes Da Costa, Henrique Carvalho, Leandro Ferreira Pereira, Álvaro Dias, Rui Gonçalves 
  Abstract: The dynamic capabilities view came to life as an enhancement of the resource based-view (RBV) and became the most prolific research stream of the resource-based approaches, with most critics pinpointing definitional issues, contradictory interpretations, and tautological assumptions as issues to solve before the view could become a theory. This research lays its foundations in the creation of a model which has the fundamental constructs of sensing, seizing and reconfiguring capabilities complemented by exploration and exploitation concepts of organisational ambidexterity constructs. To assess the applicability of this model a qualitative approach method is used by applying 21 semi-structured interviews in Portugal. The outcome of these interviews presented a set of capabilities that companies should attempt to properly sense, seize and reconfigure to develop dynamic capabilities. The main contribution to the field of strategy is a proposal of an investigation model that suggests a link between the two constructs of sensing/seizing, and exploration/exploitation.
  Keywords: resource-based approach; dynamic capabilities; organisational ambidexterity; sensing seizing and reconfiguring.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJVCM.2022.10051842